Fire routs tenants from 16 apartments near Doylestown

An investigation is under way into a fire that damaged a 16-unit apartment building in the Stonington Farm development in Doylestown Township Thursday.

A report of smoke coming from Building 800 was received about 3:50 p.m. When emergency crews arrived, the smoke quickly turned to an active fire, Doylestown Township Police Department said in a news release.

The fire, according to police, started in an exterior stairwell and quickly traveled up to the roof and the third-floor apartments and attic area. The Bucks County and Doylestown Township fire marshals are investigating to determine what started the fire.

It took firefighters nearly an hour to bring the fire under control. A large section of roof had to be removed to access the fire in the attic and third-floor apartment ceilings.

All occupants of the apartment building quickly evacuated and no injuries were reported. Because of the amount of damage, residents will not be able to return until code enforcement officials conduct a safety inspection, police said.

Stonington Farm is located at 150 Commons Way near the intersection of W. State Street (Route 202) and Burpee Road. Bozzuto Management Company, Greenbelt, Md., manages the complex and were assisting residents with alternative housing, police said.